A fine evening, full of promise. To set out from Meldon to take the windy track round Longstone Hill where a very nice man was putting out little orange flags. The track could clearly be seen to take us gently up to Yes Tor. There should have been a beautiful sunset but there was definitely a touch of autumn. A cool spot for a cuppa and then the descent, now just where have those pesky pixies put that track? The moon tried to help but Sourton Services was of more use. Back to the cars and onward, to find a very lively Fox and Hounds.
Yet another novel walk where nobody has ever been before.
From Otter Nusrery and out along by Wapplewell and Spriddlestone (Ed. I think these names have just been made up.) and on to Cofflete. Down the peninsula to the old brick works where the sunflowers bloomed. To Mudbank Lake with views to Newton Ferrers for a cuppa. Up along by the Broad Ooze to admire the non-existent viaduct from the other side. The sewage works guided us back to Brixton and the nursery for a mostly efficient lunch.
All very nice and new.
All aglow, as the sun set the moor turned golden, quite amazing.
The traditional route was taken from the Hairy Hand. Along the path where the first fly agaric of the season was seen. The snaky track took us out to the open moor to check on the clock. A path has been mown out to Bellever Tor with views all round. Down past the water tank and steadily up to Laughter. Many, many stops to admire the setting sun and accompanying glow. A cuppa then down the wall and onto the forest ride. Torches were needed as we popped back out onto the moor to take the Lych Way back to the cars. The timely walk enabled full enjoyment of the Chesterfields.
And it certainly was. As we left Four Winds and the track took us north. A keen wind from the east and the mist made it very atmospheric. Eventually Little Mis appeared from the mist. To admire the incised cross and inscription to Chris Swanson, 1980. Onward to seek out Great Mis and the Devil's Frying Pan. Heading onward and downward to the Walkham for a nice cuppa by the leat take off. The mist gently eased and the temperature steadily rose as we entered the now accessible enclosed land. To enjoy the settlement, hut circles, pillow mounds and blowing house. Popping across the road the Merrivale stone rows and cist directed us back to the cars. To the Dartmoor Inn - enough said.
It's all about timing; timing, timing, timing. Just timing, that's all, timing; timing, timing, timing. Timing and location. To catch the perfect weather window. Too early or too late and that's it - missed. So when and where - the only questions. And, so it was decided, it would just have to be 7.30 p.m. at Holming Beam. And, just perfect, the most beautiful combination of Dartmoor wet, wind, mizzle, mist and rain. Down and over the Cowsic to head steadily and gently up to Lydford Tor. Where the whole of the north moor must have been spread in front of us. Onward to Devil's for a nice cuppa and then to Beardown Man. The tussocky elephant grass provided some entertainment before contouring up to Conies Down Tor. The magic black rock proved somewhat elusive as the traverse was made back to the shelter of the trees.
And a really yellow frog.
The PoW was all very jolly and the Minion looked jolly fine.
A Grand Tour no less. On a truly perfect walking Dartmoor day. With a pleasant, gentle, cooling breeze. Clouds scudding and views to infinity and beyond. From the Camp and up Rowtor to marvel at the railway. And on to East Mill for a cuppa and by Sammy Arnold's to Dinger. High Willhays called and was wonderful. A wonderful place for lunch. Just loads and loads of people about. Aren't we lucky to live somewhere that so many come to enjoy. Along by Hamster to Yes Tor and on the way the super-observant saw a man-made pool never seen before. Down, down. To Pixies Pool where they definitely were hammering, getting ready for you know what. And, as if that was not enough, a quick romp up West Mill to rock.
There cannot be many better days out on our moor.
Just what is going on?
They've been give a fair chance.
I am sure with the best of intentions.
Or not!
But I mean.
Just what is going on?
Total, utter rubbish.
We definitely need a new one.
And so we will.
Thankfully a few sensible, well organised, trustworthy, reliable, sound people.
Took matters into their own hands.
And headed out to enjoy.
White Barrow, Lynch and even more.
So that's it.
Out with the old and in with the new.
Couldn't do a worse job.
Or can they ...
I won't be joining you all for this lovely sunny walk.
Please email me some words and a picture for our blog.
Have a nice time.
Jon
Not overly encouraging after a day of high winds and solid rain. But still, you just have to, so out to High Down where it really was wet and windy. The Lyd was not as high as expected but the trudge up to Brat was well as expected. The cross did eventually decide to emerge from the gloop. So across and down to the fantastic gert where, quite magically, the mist started to roll up the hills, soon to roll back down again. Wheal Frederick provided the traditional tea stop. (Pleased to see the lintels and gable ends are still in place.) Neatly across at least six Doe Tor Brooks as the light shone in right across to Cornwall and beyond. Doe Tor provided a fine vantage point to see the moon emerge. A most civilised route to the farm was found where the lone pine still stands. We did look at the crossing below High Down but it was well beyond us. So along the bank by the rushing river to the now fully submerged stepping stones and back. Perhaps the Dartmoor Inn was open, who knows, certainly the Mary Tavy Inn provided a very warm welcome.
Four years in the planning, four long, long years, with numerous failed attempts and near misses. And now, finally the first ever, real, proper ascent of Fur Tor with a swim. On a superb Dartmoor day with scudding clouds and the hint of a shower. The traditional route was taken from Lane End. To Ger to admire the Cleave and the rushing Tavy. On to Tavy Cleave Tor and the Deadlake track to pause for a cuppa and cross the Rattlebrook. The Amicombe Huts brought back memories for the elderly as did C**p Tor then the gentle drop down to the Tavy waterfalls. Sandy Lake caused no problems and then the steady rise to Fur Tor for a picnic. Back, and then the real treat, a swim in the Amicombe swimming hole. Some said it was not too cold others did not believe them. Over the tops and back to the cars as the first proper rain of the day arrived.
You really do have to be there ...
